Sao Paulo
Brazilians put Safety ahead of Economic Concern
Car sales are down just about everywhere. Brazil is no exception. Sales of passenger cars dropped by 10 percent in April, trucks and buses by a quarter. But one niche market seems to be doing just fine: armored cars.
High crime rates are the norm in Brazil's biggest cities. In Sao Paulo, where armed robbery of pedestrians and motorists is fairly common, resident Craig Bavington tells the New York Times, "It is not a question of if you are going to be assaulted, it is when it is going to happen."
Commuters in high-traffic areas are among the most susceptible. Motorists in congested cities such as Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Recife become sitting ducks for criminals. Having an armored car that can withstand a shot from a .44 magnum provides a sense of security. João Neves feels like he’s "inside a fortress" when he is driving in his armored 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (Other armored choices include Jeeps, Mercedes, and Chevys.)
Sales of armored vehicles in Brazil have increased more than threefold over the past decade. With roughly 120 manufacturers throughout the country, the average cost of an armored vehicle ranges between $22,000 and $55,000. Dealers offer payment plans that make armored vehicles even more enticing for middle-class families.
Brazilians seem to be putting their safety ahead of other spending priorities. Armored car sales are rising as the country experienced its worst quarter of economic growth on record. In Mr. Neves’ opinion, "Even though the crisis does exist, I consider my well-being and my security a priority."
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